1st—Texas Rangers: Last year’s unexpected run to the World Series is hopefully a sign of things to come. However, the Rangers limited their chances at another division crown by leaving Neftali Feliz in the bullpen, when they could use another impact starter. They could still win it because of their hitting. Have you seen their lineup? Josh Hamilton, Nellie Cruz, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, and Mike Napoli—yikes. That incredible lineup provokes sheer terror in all other teams in this pitching-rich division.

2nd—LA Angels of Anaheim: The Angels have a terrific pitching staff, but is Vernon Wells really the hitter they needed to bring the team over the hump? Their offence is centered around him, Kendry Morales, and what’s left of the aging Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu. Count down the days until superstar-in-waiting Mike Trout is promoted. The 19-year-old hit .341 in the minors last year and could make an immediate difference to a weak lineup. They also have a 7’1″ relief prospect named Loek Van Mil who sounds totally awesome.

3rd—Oakland Athletics: Many pundits are predicting Oakland to compete in this division, but I don’t see it happening. They have many nice young pitchers including 2010’s breakout star Trevor Cahill, but trading Carlos Gonzalez two seasons ago for mere months of Matt Holliday was a terrible move that seriously harmed their future. There is no offensive franchise player and the lineup is filled with “just-decent” hitters who are merely short-term answers. Simply, there is just not enough hitting in Oakland.

4th—Seattle Mariners: Hold on to your Lattes! It’s going to be a slow summer in Seattle. Last year the Mariners had Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee and still lost 100 games. We should all, however, enjoy the pleasures of watching the Great Ichiro play before it’s too late (He’s already 37). Ichiro also once said this of his playing style: “I think there’s sexiness in infield hits because they require technique. I’d rather impress the chicks with my technique than with my brute strength. Then, every now and then, just to show I can do that, too, I might flirt a little by hitting one out [of the park].”